NHS England says the mass rollout of the artificial pancreas builds on a successful pilot of the technology, which saw 835 adults and children given devices to improve the management of their condition.
By Amelia Harper, news correspondent
Children and adults in England living with Type 1 diabetes are set to receive an “artificial pancreas” in a world-first initiative being rolled out by the NHS.
The “ground-breaking” device continually monitors a person’s blood glucose, then automatically adjusts the amount of insulin given to them through a pump.
The system is called a Hybrid Closed Loop System, sometimes termed an artificial pancreas, where a blood sugar monitor, insulin pump and software on a person’s phone talk to each other, according to Diabetes UK.
It removes the need to draw blood with a finger prick test, or manually inject insulin for some users.
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The NHS says this could prevent life-threatening hypoglycaemic and hyperglycaemia attacks, which can lead to seizures, comas or even death for people living with Type 1 diabetes.
There are currently more than 269,000 people living in England with the condition.
Identifying and treating it costs the NHS in England around £10bn a year, or 10% of its entire budget.
Local NHS services will start identifying eligible people living with Type 1 diabetes, and they have been given £2.5m to make a start on treating patients.
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NHS England says the mass rollout of the artificial pancreas builds on a successful pilot of the technology, which saw 835 adults and children with Type 1 diabetes given devices to improve the management of their condition.
Those already benefitting include 64-year-old Les Watson from West Devon, who has had Type 1 diabetes for nearly 44 years.
He uses his phone to see his blood glucose levels, which works in tandem with an insulin pump and a monitoring patch on his arm.
“The biggest benefit that I can say is the mental load, of handling Type 1 diabetes with systems like this, is just reduced tremendously. I can sleep at night,” he told Sky News.
Dr Clare Hambling, national clinical director for diabetes, said: “This is another example of the NHS leading the way in healthcare, rolling out these ground-breaking devices across England over the next five years.
“This transformative technology holds the power to redefine the lives of those with Type 1 diabetes, promising a better quality of life as well as clinical outcomes.
“Type 1 diabetes is an easily missed diagnosis so if you are concerned about symptoms – the 4Ts – going to the Toilet, passing urine more frequently, with Thirst, feeling Tired and getting Thinner (losing weight), please come forward for support.”
Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: “It is incredibly exciting to see hybrid closed-loop technology being rolled out on the NHS in England for people with Type 1 diabetes.
“Diabetes is a tough and relentless condition, but these systems make a significant, life-changing difference.”
“This really is a landmark moment and we’ll be working with the NHS and others to ensure a fair rollout that reaches people as quickly as possible.”
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
